path and into the back of a large cave. The four and their dog are stuck underground when the earthquake begins. Daja holds the roof of their small space up by making a magical "suraku" around the space to help save them. Tris and Briar begin their own protections and Tris starts to open up air vents. However, the three of them cannot finish, because each person does not have the skill to finish. Sandry remembers her time trapped in the storage room and is paralyzed with fear when she remembers her weaving bag. She infuses it with the essences of the four and weaves their magic together, so each can complete his or her jobs. The four and their dog are rescued by their teachers after the quake. It is discovered that they are under the kitchens of the temple. At the very end of the book, Tris, Briar, and Daja present Sandry with a light-filled crystal to help her conquer her fear of the dark. Characters Lady Sandrilene fa Toren – young noble girl with thread magic Trisana Chandler – young merchant girl with weather magic Briar Moss – young thief with plant magic Daja Kisubo – young Trader girl with smith magic Niko – powerful seer mage who finds the four and is Tris's main teacher. Dedicate Lark – kind weaver mage at Discipline Cottage who is Sandry's main teacher Dedicate Rosethorn – sharp plant mage at Discipline who is Briar's main teacher Dedicate Frostpine – smith mage who teaches Daja Duke Vedris IV – the ruler of Emelan and Sandry's great-uncle Kirel – Frostpine's apprentice and Daja's friend Little Bear – dog that the four saved when it was being beaten up which they now keep Moonstream – dedicate superior of Winding Circle Dedicate Gorse – cooking mage at Winding Circle Dedicate Crane – plant mage who is Rosethorn's rival and has constructed a greenhouse See also Magic Steps The Will of the Empress External links http://www.tamora-pierce.com 1997 fantasy novels 1997 American novels Emelanese books